GMercyU Psychology Professor JOHN GUNN on SUICIDE and His NEW BOOK
By : Lauren Yancer
In December 2021 , GMercyU Professor John Gunn , PhD released his new book titled Perspectives on a Young Woman ’ s Suicide : A Study of a Diary with co-author David Lester , PhD . The pair met as undergraduates and worked together on research .
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I think the book aligns nicely with the Core Values of the University ,” said Dr . Gunn .
The book ties in the work of experts in suicidology and suicide prevention by combing through the diary of a young woman who died by suicide . The experts dive deep into the diary ’ s content , analyzing it from theoretical perspectives , prevention and therapeutic perspectives , and from the perspectives of individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide . The goal of the book is to shine a light on such a complex issue .
Dr . Gunn highlights four key takeaways from the book . The first being that because suicide is a complex behavior , the best way to understand it is to consider numerous factors at the individual level and at the macro-level . The individual level may include the perception of being a burden or exposure to trauma . At the macro-level , factors include gender stereotypes and norms . The second takeaway is that social relationships play an important role in suicide risk . For example , Katie struggled with interpersonal conflicts , feeling like she was a burden and didn ’ t belong . Personal health is impacted by the way an individual thinks about their future and their life . For Katie , her pessimistic attitude towards her future ultimately leads to suicidal thoughts and makes death more attractive than life .
The last takeaway Dr . Gunn describes is the dialogue from the loved ones in the book .
“ These voices provide much needed context and lived experience that is missing , often , from academic discussions of distress and suicide ,” said Dr . Gunn . Perspectives on a Young Woman ’ s Suicide : A Study of a Diary makes uses of the voices of Katie ’ s sister and her boyfriend at the time of her death .
Suicide , the Mercy Mission , and GMercyU ’ s Core Values
“ I think the book aligns nicely with the Core Values of the University ,” said Dr . Gunn . The book promotes service to society by shedding light on the major public health issue of suicide . The book also addresses the critical concern of women by highlighting stressors , such as negative messaging about the weight of women as well as their body image . In the book , it is evident that Katie struggles with eating disorders and issues with her weight . Non-violence , another critical concern , is also touched upon in regards to the sexual and physical abuse that Katie endures .
Dr . Gunn earned his bachelor ’ s degree from Stockton University , his master ’ s from Rutgers University-Camden , and his doctoral degree from Montclair State University . Prior to his time at GMercyU , he worked at Montclair State University as an adjunct professor and at the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center at Rutgers University as a postdoctoral associate . Dr . Gunn ’ s research is organized into four inter-related topics and he is a member of the editorial board of Crisis : The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention . Follow him on Twitter @ JGUNNIII .